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More than a course, CASBO’s CBO BEL Program is a statewide community of peers who understand the real-world challenges of school business. Crafted and led by current and former CBOs, BEL builds your confidence, expands your network, and equips you with the knowledge and perspective to lead boldly in today’s evolving educational landscape.
What You’ll Gain:
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Practical skills for real leadership: From finance and HR to leadership and communication, you’ll gain the tools to lead with clarity, strategy, and impact.
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A trusted peer network: Join a close-knit cohort of professionals who remain your allies and sounding board long after the program ends.
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Career elevation: CBO BEL provides a direct pathway to CASBO’s CBO Certification exam, advancing your professional credibility statewide.
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Confidence in complexity: Tackle high-stakes decisions with greater clarity and insight, backed by 35 expert faculty and real-world case studies.
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Timely knowledge: Stay ahead of the curve with evolving topics, hot issues, and legislative trends that shape California school business.
“My network was relatively small because I’d only worked at one school district… But the CBO BEL program took that thread and built a full tapestry. You feel seen. You realize you’re not alone in the challenges you’re facing.”
–Melissa Payne
Interim Associate Superintendent for Operations
Choose Your Track
Accelerated CBO – 6 months
For seasoned professionals currently serving as a CBO or in a director-level role reporting to a CBO with extensive financial and/or management experience.
Aspiring CBO – 9 months
For new CBOs and those in senior leadership roles (director or equivalent) reporting to a CBO for 1-5 years.
Small District CBO – 11 months
Tailored for CBOs and senior leadership serving LEAs with 2,500 or fewer students.
Please note: Tracks are only open to those currently employed at an LEA (Local Educational Agency). CASBO currently offers one cohort per track each year. Cohort applications include specific track criteria, as well as the expected cohort schedule and location(s).
Why It Matters
CASBO’s CBO BEL programs isn’t just about the next step in your career. It’s about stepping into a leadership role that shapes the future of public education.
Seats Are Limited! Admission is competitive and on a rolling basis. If you’re ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and connection, this is where your next chapter begins.
To receive updates on future CBO BEL cohorts and related programs, please submit the form below.
Proud supporters of the CBO Business Executives Leadership (BEL) program:
FAQs
CASBO is not currently accepting applications. Stay tuned for future cohorts.
Please have the following information on-hand prior to starting the application process, as this application will not save your progress:
- Current, detailed, professional resume (Electronic PDF or Word doc to upload)
- Contact information for the supervisor or superintendent who approved you to apply and register for this program, if your application is accepted.
- Contact information for one additional professional reference.
Accelerated CBO BEL
December 2025 – May 2026 Hybrid
(In-person sessions marked *)
Mon., Dec. 1
Fri., Dec. 5*
Sat., Dec. 6*
Thurs., Jan. 8
Thurs., Jan. 15
Thurs., Jan. 29
Fri., Feb. 6*
Sat., Feb. 7*
Thurs., Feb. 26
Fri., March 6*
Sat., March 7*
Thurs., March 12
Thurs., March 26
Thurs., April 16
Thurs., April 23
Thurs., May 7**
Fri., May 8**
* In-person sessions will be held in Sacramento, CA – Location TBD
**Final session & celebration will be held in Orange County, CA – Location TBD
Aspiring CBO BEL
June 2025 – May 2026 Hybrid
(In-person sessions marked *)
Mon., June 23
Thurs., July 31*
Fri., Aug. 1*
Mon., Aug. 11
Mon., Aug 18
Mon., Sept. 15
Fri., Oct. 3*
Wed., Nov. 19**
Mon., Dec. 8
Fri., Jan 9*
Mon., Jan. 26
Mon., Feb. 9
Fri., Feb. 20*
Mon., March 2
Fri., March 20*
Fri., April 17*
Thurs., May 7*
Fri., May 8*
* In-person sessions will be held at Orange County COE
** Pre-CBO Symposium at Huntington Beach, CA
Tuition is $6,750 for members or $8,750 for non-members.
Full payment must be received by the specified cohort payment deadline to confirm participation in the program.
Payment plans are not accepted. Payment options include:
- Credit Card; or
- eCheck; or
- Paper check (received by CASBO by the deadline).
CASBO does not offer scholarship programs at this time. Please discuss financial support with your supervisor, human resources, CBO, school or County Office of Education prior to applying.
Please Note: Travel and lodging for the CBO BEL onsite program dates are not included in program tuition. Additionally, tuition does not cover the cost of the certification exam after program completion.
Successful completion of CASBO’s CBO Business Executives Leadership (BEL) Program qualifies you to sit for the CASBO CBO certification exam (for an additional fee).
